The second mate took the tin, and to the astonishment of all, the uncasked servant threw himself flat upon his chest and stretched himself out as much as he could, took a few strokes as if swimming, and then turned quickly over upon his back, went through similar evolutions, grunted, and stretched again.
“What’s the matter, Dan?” said his master quietly.
“Taking some of the creases out, boss. That barrel warn’t big enough for a chap my size, and I feel quite curly. There’s a crick in my neck, one of my legs is bent and t’other’s quite screwed.”
“Oh, you’ll be better soon,” said the first mate.
“Yes, I’m coming right again,” replied the man.
“Wait till you’ve had a trot or two up and down Captain Banes’s deck. You’ll let him, won’t you, skipper?”
“Urrrr!” growled the captain.
“Oh, come, skipper, ain’t it time you left off being so waxy? You can’t set me ashore, you know; so say no more about it. I’ll pay handsomely for the trip.”
“Don’t talk to me,” growled the captain. “That gentleman has chartered the brig, and it’s his for as long as he likes. I can’t make any bargains with you or anyone else.”
“Ah, now you’re talking sense, skipper. That’s speaking like a man. Well, Sir Humphrey Leigh, let’s hear what you’ve got to say to me.”